Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Braids Are In! Learn How to Do a One Sided Braid

Many thanks to Ms. Sara for this week's "How To" blog. I can't wait to try this myself! The fact that it can be a little messy, fun, and not so perfect...equals PERFECT for me!

Even though I have worked in the beauty and fashion industry for years, I still feel clueless when it comes to styling my own hair. I’ve got the basics down, but am pretty helpless past that. So of course I was excited to find a cute AND easy hairstyle to try. Braids are a classic, easy style, especially during the summer. The One Sided Braid is an update to the basic braid and works on any hair length or texture. This hairstyle features the perfection of a French braid, but with half the effort.

Before you can attempt the One Sided Braid, you need the right tools and products. We carry many fabulous hair-care products, but today I want to focus on Macadamia Natural Oil Hair Products and Rusk. These lines offer great multi-tasking products that actually improve your hair, so they’ll definitely be going on my summer hair wish-list!

To begin, you need tangle-free hair, and that starts with a quality brush. What’s the point of nourishing your hair with products if you’re using a brush that causes damage? The Macadamia Natural Oil Boar/Nylon Paddle Brush is perfect for long or thick hair. It stimulates your scalp and detangles, creating a naturally smooth finish. It’s also anti-static, anti-bacterial and high heat resistant. Another great tool is the Macadamia Natural Oil Infused Comb. It evenly distributes the Healing Oil Treatment to your hair, providing hassle-free nourishment.

To keep your braid in place, you’ll need a dependable styling agent. I personally prefer styling creams because I feel they provide better, more even coverage. The Macadamia Natural Oil Leave-In Cream provides texture, softness and shine. More importantly, it will protect your hair from UV rays, so you don’t have to worry about your new color treatment being damaged in the hot, summer sun. Another great option is the Rusk Deepshine Color Hydrate Styling Cream. It is for all hair types, especially dry, damaged, chemically or color-treated. This cream hydrates, controls frizz, shields hair from UV rays and helps hair resist humidity – a must have for summer!

Now to the styling… Apply your styling cream to damp hair and comb/brush through. (You can apply it to dry hair if you need to rehydrate it or control frizz.) If you prefer to set your style with hairspray, skip the styling cream. You can leave your hair damp, let it air dry or blow dry it. This step will depend more on your personal preference and hair type.

This braid works best with hair parted a little off-center. On the side that has more hair, grab a section at the hairline, and divide it into three smaller sections. Start braiding as if you are doing a French braid, and as you go, keep adding in a piece from the top. Continue this process, only adding new pieces from the top (not from the top and bottom like in regular French braiding). Keep braiding until you’ve added about 5-7 new pieces or the braid reaches past your ear. Then, you can stop adding new pieces and finish off the ponytail with a regular braid. Secure with a ponytail holder. I recommend using a clear one or one that matches your hair color. If you prefer hairspray over styling cream, you can set your style with Rusk Deepshine Oil Finishing Hairspray. Its quick-drying formula provides extra-strong hold that’s workable and weightless. Just like the styling cream, it will prevent and tame your frizz and flyaways while protecting against humidity. With marine nutrients and pure argan oil, it will provide shine and even improve the condition of your hair…how many hairsprays can do that? If you are a mousse gal, then check out Design Pulse by Vavoom Go Big Extra Strong Hold Mousse.

So now you’re set with the tools and tips you need to try the One Sided Braid. It might take you a few attempts to get it just right, but remember that this style is meant to be fun and carefree, so it’s okay if it’s not perfect.

FREEBIE TIME! Who wants a 1.5 oz Go Big Mousse AND a Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque Sample? The first two people to respond to this blog with their email....will be my winners! Don't forget that if you have won in the past month to give others a chance to win.

Father's Day is right around the corner...so keep an eye out for our Father's Day blog, freebies, and more!

Hi Ana! Actually I have more of the masque samples and instead of the Matrix Spray...I can send you a Kenra. Please respond with your email address and I will get these goodies shipped out to you. Thanks for following!! :)